I know this isn't the best idea but how many of you have bought a boat without actually seeing it and testing it on the water? I live in Minnesota and there is a very limited selection of boats even within a 10 hour drive. Half the boats seem like they are in So Cal and the other half are spotted through out the south and southeast. I have already found a guy that seems very trustworthy to pull it here and have talked to the guy that owns the boat. Just looking for some advice on how to do things and some stuff to watch out for. Any advise is greatly appreciated.

I would see if some one on this board or any other board you go on lives in that area. I personally would NOT buy a boat with out seeing it. Try to work a deal with the owner to fly out and look at it. What you think is clean and in good shape may be different then what he thinks.

I have seen pics. Go to for sale section, it is the '97 xlv with 1400# in ballast in So Cal. Let me know what you think. $16K and $1800 to ship 2000 miles. I'm pretty sure I am going to be redoing the whole interior, but the rest of the boat sounds really solid. Again let me know things to watch out for.

The boat from the pictures does look really nice for the year, the interior has potential to be sick. Do you know anyone that works for like a car restoration place? Cause you can get some really nice custom vinyl seats made for cheap with the right connections, or you can do it yourself. My dad and I re did the bucket seats a 57 porsche and they look great (i have pics if interested)

I have never reapolstered stuff and don't know how to sew but would love to learn some day. Everything I do I wrap in carpet and use staples and glue but I would have all this stuff done professionally.

I agree it does look clean. There are a lot of people on this board that live in that area. Ask for some help and see if some one can check it out for you. I hope every thing works out for you. GOOD LUCK!

its gamble wither way. i bought prostar190 for slalom skiing. seller claimed it was immaculate. i figured since it ran on a private lake for slalom skiing, it would be. boat was trashed , sold it for a loss,about 5K less than i payed .ouch. lessoned learned.

We bought an '05 VLX and '00 X-Star blind. No regrets on either. Get lots of pictures, but make sure there's written words somewhere in the documents you're faxing back and forth that say the sale in contingent on an on-site inspection/test drive upon pick-up to ensure the boat lives up to its description.

I bought both of my boats off the internet but did not turn over the check until I saw the boat in person. It worked out for me both times. I did have them do a compression check both times and had them send me numerous pictures and I asked a ton of questions. I would take a flight out to So Cal and you could probably get a few pulls in as well for your effort. If you pay the seller without every seeing the boat then I would be pretty concerned. Good luck.

careful with using just pictures, they can be deceiving. I drove 10 hours one way to go pick up a 2001 X-star a year ago. Ended up not buying it. It was hard after driving all night to say no to the deal, but the boat was not in as good of shape as the pictures and seller led me to believe. Glad I waited because a much nicer one came a long and it was a year newer and only a couple grand more. And only a 2 hour drive! Worth the wait.

I kind of advocate what Chis W. does. Work out a deal, spend the $200-300 on a flight with check in hand, check it out, decide: deal or no-deal, fly back, and have it delivered. The price of the flight is a small cost for the peace of mind.

Too much stuff can be wrong and unless it is totally beat down, you can make anything look good with pics. I wouldn't chance it on something that expensive (sounds like a good deal though) without me seeing it or someone I trusted checking it out first hand.

Thanks a bucnch Wake Worlders. Lots of good info and I possiblly have someone to go and check this boat out. The other question I have is about paying. Some of you said don't send the check out until I have seen it and have taken it out on the water. If I was selling a boat and someone came to haul it away I would want the money for it right there and then when I waved it goodby. Help me out with a little more info on this please. Also the guy wants $500 down payment(non refundable) to hold the boat until October 2nd, that is soonest my delivery guy can pick it up.